Human Organ Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts about the human organ systems, their functions, and interactions to help maintain bodily functions and homeostasis.

Skeletal System

A collection of organs, including bones and cartilage, that support and protect the body.

Ligaments

Tissues that bind bone to bone.

Tendons

Tissues that bind muscle to bone.

Muscular System

A collection of organs whose primary function is movement.

Voluntary Muscles

Muscles that are controlled consciously, such as skeletal muscles.

Involuntary Muscles

Muscles that are not consciously controlled, such as those in the heart and digestive tract.

Cardiovascular System

A system that transports blood to and from the body's cells, including the heart, arteries, and veins.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels that connect arteries and veins allowing exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients.

Respiratory System

Collection of organs that take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, including the trachea and lungs.

Digestive System

Collection of organs that break down food for nutrient absorption, including the stomach and intestines.

Pancreas

An organ that produces digestive enzymes and regulates blood sugar.

Excretory System

Collection of organs that remove waste from the blood, including the kidneys and bladder.

Integumentary System

A collection of organs such as skin, hair, and nails that maintain the body's internal environment.

skeletal system

Protects and supports body organs and provides a framework the muscles use to support movement. Made up of bones and joints

bone marrow

A soft tissue inside the bone that produces blood cells

muscular system

An organ system that moves your body, and helps it perform functions

atrium

Each of the two upper chambers of the heart that receives blood that comes into the heart.

ventricle

the two lower chambers of the heart. They pump blood out to the lungs and body.

arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart

veins

A blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart.

capillaries

Microscopic blood vessels that exchange nutrients and waste

red blood cells

Blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body cells.

diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle below the lungs that is involved in the breathing process

alveoli

tiny sacs of lung tissue specialized for the movement of gases between air and blood

digestive system

Breaks down food into smaller molecules to be absorbed and used for fuel.

stomach

the organ in the digestive system that mechanically and chemically grinds up food into smaller pieces

small intestine

A long tube of muscle where most food is digested and nutrients are absorbed

large intestine

The last section of the digestive system, where water is absorbed from food and the remaining material is eliminated from the body

nervous system

An extensive network of specialized cells that carries electrical information to and from all parts of the body.

brain

largest organ in the nervous system

medulla

Base of brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing

cerebrum

Section of the brain which carries out complex mental processes such as learning and remembering

cerebellum

The part of the brain that controls fine motor skills.

endocrine system

system of glands which secrete hormones that regulate processes such as growth, reproduction, and nutrient use (metabolism) by body cells.

hormones

Chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands; travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues

pituitary gland

small gland found near the base of the skull that secretes hormones that directly regulate many body functions and controls the actions of several other endocrine glands; referred to as the "master gland"

urinary bladder

An elastic, muscular organ that holds urine until it leaves the body.

kidney

Filters waste from the blood like urea, water, salt and proteins.

immune system

The cells and tissues that recognize and attack foreign substances in the body

Antibodies

Specialized proteins that aid in destroying infectious agents

white blood cells

Blood cells that perform the function of destroying disease-causing microorganisms

celluar respiration

the process by which mitochondria break down sugar (glucose) into carbond dioxide and water releasing energy

Homeostasis

process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment

Lungs

Primary organ of the respiratory system

trachea

also called the windpipe; the tube that leads to the lungs

stimulus

any change in the internal or external environment which the brain reacts toor responds to, triggering a reaction in the body.

pathogen

an organism that causes disease, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.